Tehran: Iran's parliament is preparing a bill on the Strait of Hormuz that would bar military and commercial vessels from countries Tehran considers 'hostile' from entering the Gulf without Iranian authorization, a senior lawmaker says.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ibrahim Azizi, chairman of parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated that the proposed legislation would be among Iran's most important and advanced laws since the nationalization of its oil industry. The legislation intends to enhance Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy supplies.

Under the bill, military and commercial vessels belonging to 'hostile' countries would not be permitted to enter the Gulf without Iran's approval. This move is seen as an effort to assert Iran's authority over the strategic waterway, which is crucial for international maritime trade.

On August 9, committee spokesman Hassan Ghashghavi announced that the committee had approved a bill aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf while promoting sustainable development in both areas. The region has been tense since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began in late February, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continuing to disrupt global energy supply chains.

The ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington have yet to result in a final agreement to end the confrontation, adding urgency to Iran's legislative efforts to regulate the strategic strait.